St. Edmunds Newsletter – Feb 2026

As we enter the month of February, we joyfully celebrate our students, our faith, and the gift of Catholic education. At St. Edmund’s, our mission to educate the whole child is at the heart of everything we do. Rooted in Catholic values, we are committed to nurturing not only academic excellence, but also spiritual growth, character formation, and a deep sense of belonging within our community.

This month, as we recognize Catholic Schools Week and reflect on the virtues of love and friendship, we are reminded that faith and learning are inseparable. As Scripture tells us, “Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). Through prayer, service, leadership opportunities, and meaningful learning experiences, our students continue to grow in confidence, compassion, and responsibility.

We are grateful for your continued partnership and support as we welcome new families and celebrate the many blessings of being part of the St. Edmund’s community.

Annual General Meeting & Registration Package Pickup

📅 Thursday, February 19

⏰ 7:00 PM

📍 School Gym

Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for St. Edmund’s families.

This evening is an important opportunity to review our year to date and to receive key information about the upcoming school year. Registration packages for the 2026-27 school year will be distributed immediately following the meeting.

To ensure all families receive this information and their registration materials, at least one parent or legal guardian from each family is expected to attend. Registration packages will be provided only to families represented at the meeting.

Fr. Steny, the PEC and Principal look forward to sharing updates, plans, and answering questions as we prepare for the year ahead.

Meeting Agenda:

Welcome & Opening Prayer
Pastor Report
Chairperson Report
Principal Report
Treasurer Report: Financial Overview
Facilities Report
Parent Participation
Acknowledgments & Adjournment
Distribution of Registration Packages

Winter Weather Updates

In severe weather:

School closure announcements will be made by 6:45 a.m. via email and posted on our social media.
Check Global News for updates.
Dress for the Weather: Ensure your child has a warm, hooded coat and boots for outdoor activities. Indoor regulation uniform shoes must still be worn during school hours.
Volunteer Opportunity: In case of snow, we will need help to shovel snow from our sidewalks. Please contact the office if you are available to be on-call.

Catholic Schools Week – February 1-11

This annual event began as a way to highlight the significance of Catholic Education. Our CISVA schools provide countless opportunities for our children to grow – spiritually, academically, and in the fine arts and athletics.

Throughout this week, our students will engage in activities centered around celebrating Catholic schools. We are reflecting on the many blessings of being part of a community that strives to “share, pray, encourage, learn, care, and worship.” Please continue to keep our students in your prayers, both here at St. Edmund’s and at our high school, St. Thomas Aquinas.

Learning Updates – Student Led Conferences on Feb. 11th

Student-led conferences will take place on Wednesday, February 11th. Please be sure to schedule a time for your conference. During these conferences, all students will reflect on their strengths and areas for growth, and they will have the opportunity to guide you through their achievements and goals for the rest of the year. While teachers will be present, it will be your child who leads the presentation, demonstrating their communication and critical thinking skills. Please remember that your child is expected to come in their uniform.

Catholic Educators Conference – Feb. 12 & 13 (No classes for students)

Catholic educators from the Vancouver Archdiocese, along with colleagues from other dioceses across British Columbia, will come together for the annual conference. This annual conference serves not only as a platform for the professional growth of our staff but also as a reminder of our shared commitment to the evangelizing mission of our schools and the Church.

This year’s learning days will focus on “Generating Assessments from Learning Standards” which will offer all our CISVA educators a unique opportunity to reflect on teaching practices and elevating student success.

Reminders: Uniform and Daily Health Checks

Please ensure your child comes to school dressed in their full uniform every day. St. Edmund’s spirit wear (hoodies and jogging pants) may be used in gym class but do not replace our regulation daily uniform. We also remind you to label all pieces of your child’s uniform.

“Sharing is Caring”, but not when it comes to germs! Please do not send your child to school if they are sick and remember to send the office an email or use the “Report Absentee” link on the school website to notify if your child will not be attending school.

We have recently had reports of head lice in our school. Please check your child’s hair as a precaution. If you believe your child might be have lice, please phone the school and we can advise you further. Be assured that this is a normal occurrence in an elementary school at certain times of the year. The steps we are taking are preventative ones.

It is important for students with long hair to wear their hair tied up at school. This is a preventative measure and also part of the school uniform code.

Praying for others

Our Grade 2 and 7 classes have begun preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. Please keep them and their teachers in your prayers during this special time in their faith formation. The parent information meeting will be on February 4th at 6:30 pm.

Congratulations

To all our Intermediate Speech Arts participants for their efforts in preparing and presenting their poems, speeches and Bible readings. Special thanks to Ms. Lorezca and the intermediate teachers for all their work getting students ready for this annual North Shore Catholic schools’ event!

Extra-Curricular Programs

Basketball: Thanks to our coaches and parent drivers for supporting our practices and games. Check your emails from Mr. Dotto and the school calendar for updated schedules.
Spelling Bee: Students in Grades 4–7 are encouraged to join the Spelling Bee. Study guides were distributed last month. The St. Edmund’s Spelling Bee will take place in April, with winners advancing to the CISVA Spelling Bee.

Curricular Programs

On Tuesday, February 10th, St. Edmund’s will continue their tradition of honoring the 100th day of school. Students from the primary grades (K to Grade 3) will be organized into teams, each with a Grade 6 leader. Students will go through stations where they will have a chance to have fun with a variety of hands-on mathematical activities. These activities will relate to the number 100. The event will be held in the afternoon.

February Calendar

Mon. Feb. 2 Early Dismissal @ 12:00 pm

Wed. Feb. 4 9:00 am Grade 1 Class Mass

6:30 pm Sacramental Meeting in the small hall (Gr. 2 & 7 Parents)

Fri. Feb. 6 Primary (Grades 1-3) Skating Fieldtrip

Feb. 1 – 11 Catholic Schools Week

Tues. Feb. 10 100 Days of School Primary Event

7:00 pm PAC Meeting

Wed. Feb. 11 Student Led Conference Day – No classes – come at your appointed time

Open House 9:30-3:00

Feb. 12-13 No School: Catholic Educators’ Conference

Mon. Feb. 16 No School – Family Day

Wed. Feb. 18 11:00 am Ash Wednesday Mass led by Gr. 5 Class

No Hot Lunch – Ash Wednesday Day of Fasting

Thurs. Feb. 19 7:00 pm Annual General Meeting for all parents – required

Fri. Feb. 20 11:00 Gr. 7 Prayer Service

Sun. Feb. 22 11:00 School Children’s Mass

Wed. Feb. 25 9:00 am Gr. 7 Class Mass

Fri. Feb. 27 Dress Down Pink Shirt Day